Blue Bin

Despite the increased number of recyclable items, there are still some plastic items Toronto can't currently recycle. The wrong item can contaminate the recycling stream, damage equipment and cause workplace injuries. If you don't recycle properly, we can't either.

Items that go in your Blue Bin:

Newspapers
Cardboard - Unwaxed
Plastic food tub
Plastic food tub lid
Cardboard carton
Printed paper
Polystyrene foam packaging
Pop can
Glass bottle/Glass Jar
Aluminum plate
Plastic bottle
Aerosol can-empty
Frozen juice container
Envelope-with or without plastic window
Pizza box empty- no food residue or plastics
Magazine
Aluminum tray
Paint can (empty)
Margarine tub
Cereal box
Tissue box
Molded paper
Boxboard
Shoe box
Catalogue
Phone book
Milk carton
Juice box and other Aseptic containers
Shampoo bottle
Glass jar
Paperback book
Junk mail
Household paper
Plastic food container
Shredded papers
Hardcover book
Sour cream tub
Plastic ice cream tub
Flyers
Computer paper
Writing paper
Cottage cheese tub
Bristol board / Construction Paper
Calendar
Cigarette package
File folder
Food can
Plastic beverage container
Paper gift bag/box (ropes and gromets removed, non metallic)
Greeting card
Plastic produce container
Posters (Unlaminated)
Plastic soap bottle
Steel can (soup and other)
Sticky note
White (granulated) sugar bag
Gift wrapping paper (non-metallic)
Coffee cup lid
DVD case
Tissue paper
Postcard
Index card
Plastic water bottle
Paper roll
Polystyrene foam cup and plate
Plastic flower pot
Plastic shopping bag
White (or other colour) plastic prescription or pill bottle (empty)
Plastic jug
Plastic jar
Plastic cookie and cracker bag tray
Potato chip container
Yogurt cup (single serve)
Foam egg carton
Plastic pail (five litres or less in size)
Windshield washer fluid bottle
Cosmetic bottle
Detergent bottle
Squeezable food bottle
Takeout coffee cup (styrofoam)
Biscuit tin
Yogurt tub
Plastic clam shell containers
Clear plastic prescription or pill bottle
Take out food container (plastic)
Beer bottle (Can)
Packing paper
Antifreeze container (empty)
Glass prescription bottle or vitamin bottle
Wine bottle
Liquor bottle
Cup (plastic)
Cardboard-large quantiy
Plastic plates and cups
Roofing tar metal pail (empty)
Mixed Plastics

Green Bin

The Green Bin Program collects organic waste (fruit and vegetables scraps, paper towels, coffee grinds, etc.) and turns it into compost. Amost 50% (by weight) of your household garbage is organic material - material that can be processed into compost for use on parklands and gardens instead of being sent to landfill. The Green Bin Program currently services 460,000 single-family households. The Green Bin Program is being rolled out to apartments, condos and co-op buildings receiving City collection.

Items that go in your Green Bin:

Diaper
Feminine hygiene products
Kitty litter
Pet waste
Paper takeout food container
Facial tissue
Pizza box (greasy)
Microwave popcorn bag
Paper towel
Paper napkin
House plant (including soil)
Baked goods
Food
Meat Bone
Cereal or grain
Coffee grounds / filter
Dairy product
Egg / eggshell
Flour
Fruit
Vegetables
Grease and fat (solid)
Meats (raw and cooked)
Fish (raw and cooked)
Nuts and shells
Pasta
Rice
Fruit Core
Peels
Pit
Sauce
Tea bag
Loose tea
Baking ingredient
Bread
Bird seed
Butter and margarine
Cake and candy
Corn cob or husk
Dried flower
Flower
Food scraps
Cooking oil (liquid)
Herbs
Incontinence pad
Mayonnaise
Muffin paper cup
Oatmeal and oats
Peanut butter
Pizza
Popcorn
Salad and dressing
Seeds
Sour cream
Sugar and spices
Yogurt
Paper bags and cellulose lined paper bags
Shell
Paper ice cream carton
Sweets
Fries
Soiled paper packaging
Pet food
Cheese
Dried fruit
Flower (real)
Paper plate (soiled)
Pastry
Dough (raw)

Yard Waste

Compost, yard waste and lawns are all organic substances, and they all factor "organically" into the city's waste reduction program. Examples of organics include the grass on your lawn, tree leaves, plant roots, stems, blooms and leaves from your garden flowers, fruit or vegetable plantings, hedge or shrub trimmings, and compost itself.

Items that go in Yard Waste Bags:

Wood chips/shavings
Garden Brush
Garden trimmings/Weeds
Pumpkin
Hay
Hedge and tree trimmings
Outdoor garden plant
Lawn edging (earth removed)
Leaves
Fruit fallen from trees
Christmas Tree (real)
Yard Waste
Peat moss flower pot
Coconut flower pot
mulch

Depots

On entering the Drop-off Depot, your vehicle will be weighed and you will be asked for a deposit. The deposit amount requested depends on the type of waste you declare and weight of your vehicle at the time of entry. A minimum $20 deposit is required which includes a flat fee charge of $10. After dropping off your items in the designated areas, you will drive over the exit weigh scales and the cost of disposal (fee) will be calculated. You will either receive a refund for the difference or extra charges will be collected for the outstanding balance of the fee.

Please note: Drop-off hours for electronic waste and household hazardous waste are different from the general operating hours. Click here to find a disposal depot near you.

Items that you must take to a waste depot:

Lumber, wood
Door- wooden
Tire
Metal shower enclosure (dismantled)
Car part (metal)
Lawnmower (ride on)
Drywall (clean; painted, vinyl or paper covered only)
Insulation
Bathtub (non metal)
Shower-dismantled
Eaves trough
Pool tarp
Door-metal
Awning
Counter top
Gazebo
Vanity (non-metal)
Hot tub
Parquet flooring
Vehicle tank (empty)
Floor tiles
Shingles
Saw dust
Door-glass/patio/shower
Kitchen cabinet
Window frame

Garbage Bin

Garbage is what is left over when items cannot be recycled or reused. The industry refers to these leftovers as residual waste and sends it to landfill for disposal.

The City's Green Lane Landfill's existing permitted capacity will be exhausted by approximately 2025 if current waste diversion initiatives are not increased; expanding diversion programs to meet a target of 70% diversion will increase the site's life expectancy to approximately 2033.

Items that go in your Garbage Bin:

Aluminum foil
Bandage and gauze
Cigarette, cigarette butt and ash
Disposable mop sheet
Dryer lint
Fireplace or bbq ashes (cold)
Plastic food wrap
Elastic band
Twist tie, Staple
Vacuum cleaner bag and contents
Potato chip bag
Wallpaper
Toothpaste tube
Wax paper
Frozen food box
Housewares
Tools
Toys (plastic or other)
Hair (human and animal)
Drinking glass
Metal cookware
Cookware
Mirror
Plastic pail (greater than five litres in size)
Cookie bag
Linens
Coat hanger
Dry cleaning bag
Milk bag
Plastic cereal and cracker box liner
Towel
Bubbled plastic packaging
Blister packaging (gum and lozenges)
Gift wrapping paper (metallic)
Wine cork (plastic or wooden)
Baby wipe
Condom
Q-tip
Feathers
Pad from meat tray
Lighter
Balloons
Binder
Board game
Butcher paper (for wrapping meat)
Butter wrapper
Candle wax
Candy wrapper
Carbon paper
Cellophane
Chalk
Computer disc
Foil and plastic seals from yogurt and other containers
Markers
Popsicle stick (clean)
Yarn
Toothbrush
Music record, audio tape and compact disc
Scouring pad
Soap
Dental floss
Sponge
Plastic sandwich bag
Pen
Pencil
Plastic straw
Lollipop stick
Latex rubber gloves
Florist foam
Takeout coffee cup
Plastic food bag/liner
Dryer sheets
Aquarium
Snack food bag
Frozen vegetable bag
Chewing gum
Broken glass
Juice drink pouch
Small household appliance
Sports drink bottle (hard plastic or other)
Deodorant and deodorant container
Photographs
Pet food bag
Plastic water jug
Smoke detector / smoke alarm
Chopsticks
Skewers
Ink cartridge
Eye glasses
Waxed cardboard box
Shoes
Toaster
Hair brush
Flower (artificial)
Coffee maker
Mirror (broken)
Ceramic dish (broken)
Catheter
Dialysis waste
Fabric
Clothing (accessories)
Jewellery
String lights
Electronic Accessory
Window Covering
Pillows/Cushions
Tupperware
Water Filters
Garden Hose
Packaging peanuts (foam)
Art and Craft Material
Holiday Decoration
Medical Waste/Healthcare Waste
Colostomy bag
Gastric and nasal tubes
IV bag and tubing
Helmet
Clock
Plastic wrap
Light Fixture/Lamps
Tape
Toiletries
Kitchen utensil
Empty large plastic bags
Broom
Facial cleansing cloth
Popcorn maker
Ornament
Power tools
Clothes Peg / Pin
Cotton ball
Fuses
Inhaler (empty)
Ribbons
Burlap
Charcoal/Lava Rock
Bread / milk tag
Rope
Blueprint paper / Blueprint
Fireworks (used)
Extension cords
Curtain rod
Lotion (cosmetics contents)
Backpack
Mylar paper
Drum (musical)
Picture negatives and film
Drum (plastic)
Shower curtain
Silage wrap
Sticker
Toothpick
Trophy
Water Bed Bladder
Tent
Wooden crate
Paint tray and liner (plastic)
Plant tray
Pool noodle
Nail/Screw
Paint Brush
Bed Sheet
Rubber/ Plastic sheet
Bird cage
Nylons
Clay flower pot
Shovel (plastic)
Electrical Wire
Hearing aid
Caulking tube
Dentures
Garden sprinkler
Stuffed animal
Posters (Laminated)
Air filter
Sports equipment
Gloves
Skateboard
Biodegradable plastic
Furnace filter
Plastic frozen food trays
Electric Appliances
Light bulbs
Plant hanging basket
Vase
Beer caps
Bathroom scale
Plastic newspaper bag
Microwave trays
Coffee disc
Rock salt
Flashlight (without battery)
Toilet seat
Plastic pipe
Talcum powder
poisonous plants

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)

Paints, pesticides, propane tanks, batteries, syringes, used motor oil and many cleaning products are just some examples of household hazardous wastes, that are used daily by residents. These items contain toxic ingredients and should be used and disposed of with caution. Do not place out for regular garbage pick-up. Please do not pour motor oil, paints or solvents down your drain or into sewers. Household Hazardous Waste WILL NOT be collected with your garbage or recyclables.

Items that are considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW):

Motor oil
Lubricant
Acid or base
Adhesive (all types)
Aerosol can (full or partially full)
Antifreeze
Brake fluid
Transmission fluid
Chlorine
Cleaner or detergent
Fertilizer
Pesticide
Fuel
Medication
Oil filter
Paint or stain
Solvents
Photographic chemicals
Pool chemical
Household batteries
Fluorescent light bulb/tube
Mercury thermometre/thermostat
Barbeque propane cylinder
Needle
Syringe
Lancet
Bleach
Energy efficient light bulb
Garden chemical
Vehicle battery
Car wax
Grease (automobile)
Car care product
Chemicals
Drain cleaner
Glue
Hair dye
Herbicide
Insecticides
Nail polish and remover
Oven cleaner
Paint thinner
Perm solution
Turpentine
Varnish
Lighter fluid
Gas
Kerosene
Vitamins and supplements
Fire extinguisher
Acetone nail polish remover
Nail polish
Paint (latex and oil)
Krazy glue
Compressed Gas
Driveway sealer
Blueprint ink
Inhaler (full)
Welding Tank
Gel pack
Flea powder
Baby oil
Roofing tar
Shoe polish
hand sanitizer

Metal Waste

Place metal items such as appliances, barbecues (no propane tanks), bed frames, bicycles, furnaces, hot water heaters, metal bath tubs, storage sheds, etc. next to your Garbage Bin for free pick-up. No collection appointment is needed.

• Large metal items should be dismantled, bundled and/or tied.
• Remove doors from refrigerators, oven and other appliances.
• Non-metal parts, such as bicycle seats, go in your Garbage Bin.

Items that are considered Metal Items:

Plumbing fixtures-metal
Microwave oven
Bicycle
Refrigerator
Stove
Washing machine
Dryer
Dishwasher
Dehumidifier/Humidifier
Hot water tank (empty)
Freezer
Metal stake
Chairs (metal)
Exercise machine
Fan (metal)
Filing cabinet
Fence (wire)
Furnace (all metal)
Baseboard heater
Motor (small)
Range hood
Satellite dish (metal)
Shed (metal), dismantled
Sinks (metal or cast iron)
Snow blower
Swing set (metal)
Table (metal)
Tire rims
Wheelbarrow (metal)
Antenna tower
Bed frame (metal)
Rototiller
Metal safe
Air conditioner
Scrap metal
Pump
Barbeque
Drum (metal)
Fireplace (metal)
Vanity (metal)
Wood burning stove
Water heater
Shovel (metal)
Lawnmower (gas, electric or push)
Oil filled heater
Bed spring
Bathtub (metal)
Ironing Board

Electronics

Toronto makes it easy to get rid of unwanted electronics. This City program keeps E-waste out of its landfill site through recycling or safely disposal. For computers and related components that are in working condition, visit the ReUseIt page for reuse ideas and a list of charities and organizations that accept donations.

Items that are in the electronics category:

Computer
Television
Cell phone or pager
VCR
Printer
Camera
Equalizer and Amplifier
Computer accessories
Fax machine
Answering machine
Audio electronics
Photocopier
Telephone
Compact disc player
Digital Versatile Disk Player
Typewriter
Speaker
Electronic thermometer

Oversized Waste

Items can be left next to your Garbage Bin for free regular pick-up, without requiring tags or special arrangements. Search for information about proper set out procedures for your item.

Place oversize items (Box springs, car seats, furniture, lamps, luggage, mattresses, patio furniture, skis, toilets, etc.) next to your Garbage Bin. Things that would never fit in your Garbage Bin, even when empty, are considered oversized. No tags or special arrangements are needed. The City collects these items in a separate truck for either reuse, recycling or dissembling at no cost and keeps them out of the landfill.

Items that are oversized and should be left by the curb:

Home furnishings
Lawn furniture
Toilet
Recliner
Dresser
Desk
Mattress and box spring
Sofa
Carpet and Carpet Underlay
Linoleum flooring
Rug
Basketball stand (rim and pole)
Child or baby car seat
Sofa bed
Chairs (plastic, e.g. lawn furniture)
Cabinets
Fan (plastic)
Ceiling fan
Fence (plastic)
Plastic outdoor garbage can
Water cooler refrigeration base
Crib
Christmas tree (artificial)
Backyard Composter (empty)
Popcorn cart
Dog house
Vacuum cleaner/carpet steamer
Ladder
Laundry basket
Lawn roller
Luggage
Trunk or chest
Picnic table
Sewing Machine
Wheelchair
Wine barrel
Water softener
Sinks-non-metal
Playpen
Splash pool
Ping pong table
Bed frame (wood)
Shelf
Hockey stick
Skis
Snowboard
Golf Club
Pool filter
Chairs (wooden)
Blue box/Grey box
Futon
Mirror

Other

"Other" waste consists of items that do not fit in any other waste category. If you are unsure of what to do with your item, or it is not listed here, search for your item to find appropriate disposal instructions.

Items that are considered "other" and do not fit in any other category:

Dead animal
Grass clippings
Fireworks
Flares
Ammunition
Election sign
Bricks
Dirt or sod
Stumps and large branches
Asbestos
PCBs
Pool heater/pump
Telephone pole
Tent trailer
Vending machine
Diving board
Pool table
Motorized personal transporters
Piano or organ
Vehicle propane tank
Rocks and gravel
Paving / Patio stones
Cement
Cinder Block
Concrete pieces
Aluminum siding
Oil tank